The stretch of the A19, close to the Cleveland Tontine, where Dr Cowie had his fatal accident

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The death of a doctor has prompted a coroner to take action over the condition of a major Teesside road.

Alan George Cowie, from Eaglescliffe, died on January 28 this year when his car careered off the A19 at the A172, northbound off-slip to Stokesley.

It is believed that the 55-year-old lost control of his car as a result of standing water on the road.

An inquest at Northallerton Coroner’s Court yesterday heard evidence that water is a common problem on the area of road during or after a heavy downpour - just like on the evening Dr Cowie lost his life.

As a result, Coroner Michael Oakley said he was to issue a Section 28 report to order that the Highways Agency carry out an investigation.

“That will recommend that something is done about this,” he said. “The matter needs to be addressed.”

The court heard that NHS director, Dr Cowie, was travelling back home from work in Bradford when the accident happened.

Although there were no witnesses to the incident, it has been concluded that he lost control of his Audi TT Quattro because of water on the road.

His car then careered into a crash barrier, which “launched” the car into the air. It came to a stop on its side after hitting a road sign.

On the evening of Dr Cowie’s death, the court heard there was heavy rain and visibility was poor. As a result, a CCTV camera at the location was unable to pick up any footage.

But the court heard statements from two people, travelling separately on the road, who passed the scene after the incident had happened, at about 7pm.

Alan Charles Watson said he travelled the route regularly and knew to be aware of standing water near the A172.

Stephen Kirkbright, forensic collison investigator for North Yorkshire Police, also gave evidence.

He said Dr Cowie was travelling at at least 72mph when he “lost control” - “a result of his reaction to the road conditions.”

Neil Raper, a civil engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine which maintains the road, said the issue of standing water had never been raised until after the incident.

Speaking after the inquest, a spokesman for the Highways Agency said: “Safety is our top priority and we will therefore carefully consider any issues raised by the coroner as a result of today’s inquest.”

A post mortem concluded that the medical cause of Dr Cowie’s death was extensive and severe internal head, chest and abdominal injuries.